Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Strawberry Swirl
Frothy pink strawberry drinks in glasses.

Strawberry Swirl

Strawberries and apple juice blended together to make a refreshing and tasty drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
Large platter of orange pumpkin cookies.

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

Soft pumpkin breakfast cookies made with canned pumpkin, whole-wheat flour and warm spices.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
48 Cookies
White Chicken Chili
Small bowl of creamy chicken and bean soup served with crackers.

White Chicken Chili

Kid-approved dinner idea that is creamy, comforting and ready in 1 hour.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)
Medium bowl of creamy potato and cabbage mix.

Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)

This traditional Irish dish is a satisfying combination of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful cabbage.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Refried Beans
Small bowl of mashed beans garnished with cilantro.

Refried Beans

Make your own flavorful and satisfying refried beans at home with this 15-minute recipe.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Chicken Pepper Bake
Bowl filled to the brim with baked bite-size potatoes, chicken and bell peppers.

Chicken Pepper Bake

An easy-to-make chicken recipe with potatoes, peppers and Cajun spices!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups